Title: Qualitative analysis

Aim: To identify the cation and anion present in a salt sample

Apparatus: A Bunsen burner, a spatula, test-tubes, a boiling tube, a splint, blue
litmus paper, a test-tube rack and a test-tube holder
Reagents: Solid salt sample X, a solution of sample X (solution X), aqueous sodium
hydroxide, aqueous ammonia and aqueous potassium iodide.
Precautions:
1) Do not inhale any of the solid particles of X.
2) Do not allow solution X to make contact with your skin. If this
happens, rinse the area immediately with soap and water.
Method:

I. TEST FOR CATIONS USING AQUEOUS SODIUM HYDROXIDE

a. To a small sample of solution X in a test-tube, add aqueous sodium hydroxide
dropwise
b. Make observations
c. Add aqueous sodium hydroxide in excess
d. Make observations

II. TEST FOR CATIONS USING AQUEOUS AMMONIA

a. To a small sample of solution X in a test-tube, add aqueous ammonia dropwise
b. Make observations
c. Add aqueous ammonia in excess
d. Make observations

III. TEST FOR CATIONS USING AQUEOUS POTASSIUM IODIDE

a. To a small sample of solution X in a test tube, add aqueous potassium iodide
dropwise
b. Make observations

IV. TEST FOR ANIONS USING HEAT [A TEACHER WILL DO THIS]

a. Place two spatulas of solid sample X in a boiling tube.
b. Heat the boiling tube carefully over a Bunsen burner flame
c. Make observations
d. Test the gas(es) produced using the following:
i. Moist blue litmus (hold strip at the mouth of the boiling tube)
ii. A glowing splint (immerse end of glowing splint into the boiling tube)
e. Make observations
Results: Results should be displayed in a table such as the one shown below

TEST OBSERVATION INFERENCE

Addition of aqueous sodium

hydroxide

Addition of aqueous ammonia

Addition of aqueous potassium

iodide

Heating of solid sample X

NB, the inference column will contain brief explanations (supported by relevant equations) of your
observations. A discussion will not be needed for this lab.

Conclusion: A brief statement related to your aim. (State the cation and anion
present in X and hence determine the identity of compound X)